Action vs. Overwhelm
Let me preface this note by saying, this isn't required reading. Especially if you're at your capacity of intake of personal notes from micro-influencers, feel free to move on with your day.
If you're sticking around, I'm here to share what I've been reflecting on this past week as Palestinians fight for their basic right to exist.
Research rather than look away
Avoidance can feel like a tactic to manage the overwhelming amount of opinions, pictures, videos, and statements showing up in every nook and cranny.
However, avoidance equips you with ignorance. Ignorance at this time prolongs the genocide. You alone cannot save the Palestinians yet your voice can contribute to a call for justice so loud it cannot be ignored.
Research what is happening so you can use your voice and demand ceasefire on Gaza and release of all hostages. Click here to write to your local reps to do this now.
Write your reps to demand ceasefire in Gaza now
There is steady and thoughtful discourse on the history of the occupation and violent build up to the current genocide of Palestinians. I will not repeat what others are more eloquently stating and are more equipped to discuss.
Here are a few people I've learned from: subhi صبحي, Jewish Voices for Peace, matt bernstein, also Ramy, Jon Stewart, the UN, the people that are posting incredible reels on Instagram with so much info that major media outlets are ignoring on a large-scale.
Yes, be wary of propaganda and misinformation, however don't let that keep you from advocating for justice.
Give Money, if you're able
A few options: Doctors without Borders or Medical Aid for Palestinians
About 50% of the population in Gaza are under the age of 15. All of Gaza's people including the young adults and children need our help.
List of Trusted Organizations for Aid to Palestine
Mis-information and Propaganda
Social Media
In the first few days, after the escalation, I shared three story slides. In the 24 hours of those stories being visible, I received supportive comments and likes and received disappointed messages and unfollows. In the days following, I learned so much more than those story slides could ever include.
That's the thing, social media shares will never encompass a person's whole view of an issue.
I observed how people shared to their grid and received so much backlash on what they shared that eventually the grid post went away or comments turned off, with a few being replaced by an apology post.
I saw how the wellness community took this moment as an opportunity to offer Love and Light messages, all are valued messages, and churn out practices for self-regulation.
I felt and am feeling in my whole being how none of this is truly helpful.
I felt and am feeling in my whole being how none of this is truly helpful as actions that could be in service to ending this occupation and prevent continuing trauma to Palestinians, Muslim people, Arabic people, Israelis, Jewish people, those impacted by colonial trauma, true accomplices, the empaths, and literally everyone else out there.
Please take an action today.
Give money if you're able. See this list of trusted orgs
Write your reps through a single form at everyaction.org
Share news that is relevant and verified on your social media.
Notes on Radical Accountability
While misinformation is rampant and the learning curve may be steep for some, it's important to practice radical accountability with any missteps and instinctive reactivity to mitigate harm and relieve some of the suffering many are experiencing.
In the context of what's happening now, I'm revisiting the phrase Radical Accountability: a compassionate approach towards self and others.
In his 1972 book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire describes praxis as a repetitive process of “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it.”
This idea of praxis rings extremely relevant at a time when "canceling" comes at the touch of the fingertips while true accomplice-ship is built over time, with compassion for missteps, and continuous connection and care.
Radical Accountability is then a process of mitigating harm by knowing oneself deeply, taking intentional actions within your environment and community, revisiting impact of those actions, being accountable for issues, and adjusting course as necessary. Radical Accountability intrinsically requires praxis.
Additional reading and viewpoints on Radical Accountability that I found helpful are detailed by Mojdeh Cox in their article "The Anatomy of Radical Accountability" here. Their framework is outlined in four steps: 1. Fearless honesty, 2. Setting intention, 3. Self-reflection, 4. Action through changed behavior
I share this note with you as you navigate communications in your community. I was reminded by a friend that the rifts and division coming to the surface at this time are only serving to distract us from taking concrete actions. May the practice of Radical Accountability be helpful in shining a light on a path where there seems to be great confusion and darkness.
Warmly,
Tejal
Tejal Yoga offers accessible movement and continuing education in a warm environment. Our knowledgeable South Asian instructors are committed to the authentic and spiritual practice of yoga. Learn more at tejalyoga.com
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